Suits English Lesson

A very unusual interview

Mike has an unusual opportunity to demonstrate what he knows.

Watch for: What evidence impresses Harvey, and what important qualification is missing?

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. Who is assessing Mike in the interview?Harvey.Jessica, conducting a formal assessment.Louis, acting as the interviewer.

2. What ability does Mike demonstrate?Exceptional recall of information.A strong record of previous clients.Detailed practical experience in a courtroom.

3. What subject knowledge is tested?Business bookkeeping.Law.Office management.

4. What important credential does Mike lack?A music diploma required for the role.A driving licence discussed in the scene.A law degree.

5. How does Harvey test beyond a general claim?By asking only whether he feels confident.By refusing to ask any questions.By challenging Mike with specific knowledge.

6. What decision does Harvey make in this fictional exchange?He sends Mike to teach music.He offers Mike the job despite the missing credential.He says no interview has occurred.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Let me give you a concrete example of what I can do.

Support a capability claim.

My experience covers this area, but I do not hold that qualification.

State a limitation honestly.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

What is the difference between knowing information and being qualified for a role?
Support and one possible answer
Knowledge… Qualification…
Knowledge is what someone understands; a qualification is an officially recognised credential and may be required.
How could an applicant make a claim more credible?
Support and one possible answer
They could…
They could describe a specific problem, action and result that can be checked.
Describe a skill honestly without inventing credentials.
Support and one possible answer
My experience…
My experience covers organising small projects, but I do not hold a formal project-management qualification.

The first client meeting

Mike listens to Nancy describe what happened at work.

Watch for: What does Nancy say happened, and what does Mike still need to check?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Before I start, could we clarify the scope?

Check the boundaries of a task.

What evidence do we need to establish that?

Turn a claim into an information need.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

What should a useful task briefing include?
Support and one possible answer
It should include…
It should include the aim, available information, responsibilities and the first deadline.
Why is follow-through different from making a strong first impression?
Support and one possible answer
It requires…
It requires completing difficult practical work after the conversation has ended.
Ask two questions before accepting a demanding task.
Support and one possible answer
What…? When…?
What evidence do we already have? When do you need the first update?

Mastery quiz

Use language from both clips in new situations.

Mastery · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. You show a skill with a real example. You ___ it.hidedemonstratemerely assume

2. An officially recognised credential is a ___.qualificationpreferenceprediction

3. You finish the actions needed after an agreement. You ___.change the subjectfollow throughstop at the first claim

4. You define what a task includes. You ___.guarantee the resultignore the limitsclarify the scope

5. Which answer supports a skill claim without inventing credentials?I organised three events and can show the schedules and feedback.Confidence makes evidence unnecessary.I hold any qualification you need me to hold.

6. Which question turns an allegation into an evidence need?How can we declare the result before checking?Which person sounds most impressive?What information would support or challenge that account?

Put it all together — speaking

Speak first, then use the support if you need it. For the final conversation, take a role each or practise both roles alone.

How does the purpose of the conversation differ between the two clips?
Support and one possible answer
In A… In B…
In A, Harvey tests Mike's knowledge. In B, Mike listens to Nancy's account before deciding what to investigate.
What should someone do when capable but missing a required qualification?
Support and one possible answer
They should…
They should state the limitation honestly and look for a role or supervised route they are eligible to take.
Can you discuss a demanding but suitable project honestly?
Support and one possible answer
Give a skill example, disclose a limitation and clarify the first deliverable.
I have organised small events and can show the results. I have not managed a project of this size alone. Could we clarify the scope and agree a supervised first stage with a review on Friday?

Role A

You are applying to coordinate a community event. You have managed two smaller events but have no experience with large budgets.

Role B

You need an organiser. Ask for a concrete example, check the limitation and define a suitable supervised first task.

Check your conversation

Give evidence for a skill claim without inventing credentials.
Clarify scope and an evidence need.
Use three target items and agree a realistic first deliverable.

Try again: Repeat the final interaction once. Improve one expression and one response to your partner.